Left Shoulder Pain After Lap Band Surgery

[vbaum 0]

The only real problem I have had lately is the pain in my left shoulder that seems to get worse if I eat too much. It also hurts at times to raise my left arm over my head for too long. It feels like a pinched nerve. My doc offered to do an MRI but says that this is very common. I am just wondering if anyone else has this problem.

[4him 0]

yes, its been six months and it is still there. its kind of in front of my shirst pocket would be if i had one. not quit in my shoulder

[maestra 0]

Yeeeeeeees. I was banded a week ago and am suffering terribly with left shoulder pain. I'm on liquids, so it can't be that i'm eating too much. Laying down seems to help, but standing is rough. My doctor says it could have been the way I was laying on the operating table. Who knows. Hope it gets better.

[vbaum 0]

Mine is on the top of my shoulder. It is not bad just kinda annoying. I was banded 7 months ago. It is still a big yes to would I do it again. I feel so much better!

[JoanieP 2]

yes, in fact I just started a thread since I didn't see yours. It's been over a year since my banding and this is the only problem I've had. It can be quite annoying, although not really painful. I've tried different products, like tums, and gas-x strips and chewable tablets, but so far nothing seems to help. I get my pain when I'm hungry. It worsens if I don't eat for a time after the pain starts. HELP!!!!!

[PaulaD 0]

I, too have bad shoulder pain in my left shoulder! I was going to ask about that today on this site! I am exaxtly one month post op. I first had it days after the surgery. I understand that. Now I have it most of the day! I can be hungry or full, doesn't seem to matter. What is it?

Paula

[vbaum 0]

My nurse practioner said because the nerves all ran in sheaths across our body that it is probably sitting on a nerve. This does happen to me if I am hungry or too full or if anything is out of sinc. Everyone I talked to so far has said yes they get Left shoulder pain with their band--you think someone would have mentioned this-hmmmm.

[demsvmejm 5]

I've discussed my shoulder pain with my Dr.

It used to happen when I'd eat too fast or not chew enough. Now it happens for no reason.

He pretty much told me to see my primary care physician about my shoulder pain. He looked at me like I was crazy when I said my band/stomach was sitting on a nerve. He say I have gas..not I dont!

He has only been doing LB surgery since last Sept. I can't be the only patient with this problem.

Tylenol helps if it gets really achey.

This is my only complaint with my band....a constantly aching shoulder

[KHolmes 3]

I am also having this issue with pain in my left shoulder. I have noticed it for a few different reasons. If I eat too much or get too hungry it happens. If I am driving or sitting for a very long period. Sometimes it does appear out of nowhere. I could see it being gas if I was still a few weeks out from surgery, but I have been banded for almost 4 months now. I also thought that it came from the band sitting on a nerve...it makes sense.

[Susan3343 0]

I am so glad I found this thread. I too have left shoulder pain. That was the first thing I felt when I woke up from surgery. I dont know what triggers it (hunger, full or gas) but will try to pay attention to this. Anyways...it really hurts at times! I was thinking that maybe it would ease off or go away...but maybe not. Is there any hope????

Susan

[StacieM 0]

Ok I am getting a little nervous... I am awaiting insurance denial or approval right now, but I did just have left shoulder surgery just a month ago. I am not sure how much more pain I can take though.... so I am hoping that some others can make me feel a little more sure about this pain/problem....

[Trish2U 0]

Hey, what's up with this left shoulder pain? I am soon to be banded and I am concerned. How many others have this pain?

[sharilynn1965 0]

I had the pain after surgery and sometimes when I eat to much. It does not stay for two long. I think when you complain to a doctor about some of our issues they really dont know. They are surgeons. I wonder how many of them do really keep up with our issues after. I think that is might be air pockets that get up into the shoulder. Iexercise a lot and when I have the pain I move my should and strecht it out.

[Oregondaisy 2,020]

I have left shoulder pain off an on. It's there right after a fill. Sometimes it's there in the morning and gone by afternoon. I have heard with some bansters,

it's chronic.

If you are getting it after eating, I have heard you are stuffing your pouch too full. That's something to be careful of. I heard that from some very experienced bandsters.

[scocroft1 0]

I have read alot of people complaining about L side and shoulder pain. Some people didn't get it check out with the surgeon. I was sent to the er on monday for the same pains. I was having L side pain with standing and walking the radiated up to my L shoulder. When they ruled out that it wasn't a heart attack , then they made sure that the band was not slipping, it was the tubing stuck in between my spleen and diaphram. The tube that runs from the port and the band is not surgical ancored, so please make sure that you are talking with the surgeon and not your primary care physician. The primary really don't know much about the surgery.

I am alright, I am taking pain releivers and hopfully either it will wiggle out, or my body will make a cusion. If not and I am still in pain, the will go in and short the tube.

Sharon